Jenny Kao-Kniffin

Research in my lab centers on the role of soil microorganisms in impacting plant growth, physiology, and fitness. We apply concepts and techniques in microbial ecology to uncover the relationships between soil microbial communities and plant traits. The research projects include the use of experimental microbial ecosystems to uncover the microbial-based mechanisms mediating plant and ecosystem traits. Examining the mechanistic basis of microbial selection studies can yield the development of microbial consortia, isolation of new microbial strains, and purification of compounds that enhance desirable plant populations while suppressing weeds. For more information, visit my lab website: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/kao-kniffin/lab/index.html

Outreach and Extension 

My extension duties focus on assisting public and private audiences with the most appropriate methods to manage weedy and invasive plants in horticultural landscapes. We are developing a web-based software program that allows users to select weed methods based on conventional or organic weed management preferences. We work with public, private, and university partners in developing innovative, cost-effective control strategies that can be integrated into sustainable weed management programs.

Selected Journal Publications

View publications on Google Scholar.

• Kao-Kniffin, J., & Zhu, B. (2013). A microbial link between elevated CO2 and methane emissions that is plant species-specific. Microbial Ecology. 66:621-629.
• Kao-Kniffin, J., Carver, S., & DiTommaso, A. (2013). Advancing weed management strategies using metagenomic techniques. Weed Science. 61:171-184.
• Kao-Kniffin, J., Freyre, J., & Balser, T. (2011). Increased methane emissions from an invasive wetland plant under elevated carbon dioxide levels. Applied Soil Ecology. 48:309-312.
• Kao-Kniffin, J., Freyre, D., & Balser, T. (2010). Methane dynamics across wetland plant species. Aquatic Botany. 93:107-113.
• Kao-Kniffin, J., & Balser, T. (2010). Soil microbial composition and nitrogen cycling in a disturbed wet prairie restoration (Wisconsin). Ecological Restoration. 28:20-22.
• Kao-Kniffin, J., & Balser, T. (2008). Soil fertility and the impact of exotic invasion on microbial communities in Hawaiian forests. Microbial Ecology. 56:55-63.
• Kao-Kniffin, J., & Balser, T. (2007). Elevated CO2 differentially alters belowground plant and soil microbial community structure in reed canary grass-invaded experimental wetlands. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 39:517-525.
• Kao-Kniffin, J., Titus, J., & Zhu, W. (2003). Differential nitrogen and phosphorus retention by five wetland plant species. Wetlands. 23:979-987.

Book Chapters

• Kao-Kniffin, J. (2012). Rhizosphere ecology. McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, 11th Edition McGraw-Hill Editors (ed.), McGraw-Hill.

• Weihenstephan Science Award, International Collaboration for Early Career Scientists 2017 Freising, Germany
• Cornell University CALS Award for Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Students in Independent Research 2013 Cornell University

• PLHRT 9900: Doctoral Dissertation Research
• PLSCI 4925: Plant Sciences Senior Portfolio
• PLSCI 4900: Reflection on Plant Sciences Experiential Learning